Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the lifting of a dual concrete panel composite truss and especially to the process of lifting of a composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels. A lifting assembly can be rolled on the surface of a generally flat concrete panel to position a plurality of sling hooks for connection to a plurality of said lifting eye members on the generally flat concrete panel for lifting the concrete panel.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) lifting apparatus has a reinforced frame and a gate for securing a BOP stack. The frame has a central U-shaped recess for securing a collared portion of the BOP stack. The gate pivotally swings between a closed position on the frame and an open position for installation and removal of the lifting apparatus from the BOP stack. An actuator has a first end connected to a top surface of the frame and a second end connected to the gate for actuating the opening and closing of the gate to the frame. When the gate is in the closed position, three locking pins are inserted into three vertical pinning holes located on the frame, which are aligned with three pinning holes located on the gate. The apparatus may be lifted via cables or other lifting mechanisms attached via lifting eyelets located on each corner of the frame.

Abstract: A system for lifting a blade of a wind turbine is proposed. The system includes a yoke device lifted by a crane, an upper bracket device and a lower bracket device that are mounted to the yoke device for holding the blade. The upper bracket device engages a first section of the blade and the lower bracket device engages a second section of the blade. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is insertable into the system in an open position of the lower bracket device. The lower bracket device is movably mounted to the yoke device in such a way that the blade is spatially fixed by both the upper bracket device and the lower bracket device in a closed position of the lower bracket device.

Abstract: A lifting hook for lifting open-frame steel joists comprises a casing having a shaft passing through it. The shaft has a lifting eye at one end and a hook member at the other end. The hook member comprises a U-shaped body having a transverse width selected to be less than the gap between the angles that form the upper flange of the open-frame joist. The hook member has a throat that is larger than the width of the flange. The shaft is spring-loaded so that the hook member is pulled toward the lower bearing surface of the casing so that once the hook member has been inserted into the joist, it is keyed to the flange and will not come loose.

Abstract: An elongated body belonging to a subsea structure may be moved to the surface. A lifting beam may be lowered to the body and then may be pivoted until the lifting beam is substantially parallel to the body. Grippers connected to the lifting beam may rotate to encircle the body and/or connect the body to the lifting beam. After the body has been released from the subsea structure, the body may be turned until the body is in a substantially upright position, and then the lifting beam may move the body through a splash zone to the surface.

Abstract: A robotic containerization and palletizing system having a multiple-fingered end effector. The system includes a frame that defines one or more cells. Each cell has one gantry-type robot, which is mounted in a set of tracks on top of the frame. The robot is movable along two axes and has an arm to which the end effector is mounted. The end effector is designed to grasp trays, tubs, and similar items from a conveyor system running through the cell and load them in a cart or on a pallet. The items are gripped by two sets of fingers. One set of fingers may be mounted to a first plate and another set of fingers may be mounted to a carriage that moves in a horizontal direction, either toward or away from the first set of fingers. Each finger has a main shaft and a bent tip. The shafts are rotatable such that the tips can be moved underneath or out from under a load, depending upon whether a pick-up or drop-off operation is being performed.

Abstract: A device for mechanically picking and palletizing rectangular objects of various sizes for attachment to a robotic arm. The device includes a pair of rails having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated L-shaped grips extending there through. The distance between the respective rails can be adjusted to accommodate various width containers. The L-shaped grips are capable of pivotal rotation such that their grip ends rotate under the object for picking and palletizing. A pair of pallet hooks having suction cups attached thereto is also provided on the device.